Qld youth crime: Govt says every single serious repeat offender recorded as having drug issues

Every one of Queensland’s serious youth crime repeat offenders have drug issues, it can be revealed, as the government faces criticism from the LNP over its multimillion-dollar attempt at a solution.

• Qld youth crime: All you need to know

Every single one of Queensland youth criminals who have been declared as serious repeat offenders have drug issues, it can be revealed, as the government prepares to outlay millions on the state’s first in-house rehab facility.

But the LNP has seized on the revelation and accused Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer – who was parachuted into the role five months ago in the Premier’s shock reshuffle as the issue reached a boiling point – of being “flippant” on the issue.

Ms Farmer said as of August, 100 per cent of the 28 young criminals who had been declared serious repeat offenders by the courts under new laws were recorded to have used a substance in the youth justice census.

That number has since risen to 33 young people by the end of last month.

Ms Farmer also said “more broadly” of the hundreds of young people classified as a Serious Repeat Offender, based on the Serious Repeat Offender Index in last year’s youth justice census, 94 per cent were recorded to have used substances.

It comes as the youth justice department partners with the Ted Noffs Foundation to build the state’s first in-house drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for young people, which the Minister said would help combat the connection between substance misuse and youth crime.

“The Queensland Government has allocated $7.7 million over four years and $2.5 million ongoing funding to establish the 10-bed residential facility for youths aged up to 17,” a spokeswoman said.

Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Up to three months of residential treatment will be provided, as well as follow-up treatment. The Ted Noffs Foundation is currently offering a day program in the Moreton Bay region.”

LNP assistant justice spokeswoman Laura Gerber accused Ms Farmer of making a “desperate attempt” to deflect blame for the rise in serious repeat offenders.

“Queenslanders will be shocked by the Minister’s flippant attempt to explain away Queensland’s youth crime crisis as simply a substance abuse issue, rather than the reality of entire communities living in fear,” she said.

“Hardcore repeat youth offenders have doubled in a few short years on this Government’s watch with weaker laws and fewer police on the beat.”

Ms Gerber went on to accuse the state government of “failing young people at both ends of the spectrum”.

“Young people haven’t been supported to turn their lives around while hardcore repeat offenders aren’t facing consequences,” she said.

“Our state is being held hostage by a generation of untouchables who know their rights surpass the rights of crime victims, leaving Queenslanders fearing they’ll become the next victim as they go about their daily lives.”

File picture: Ms Farmer said 100 per cent of the 28 young criminals who had been declared serious repeat offenders were recorded to have used a substance in the youth justice census.

The department spokeswoman said the second youth-focused residential rehabilitation and treatment service which was set to be built in Cairns would better meet the needs of young people and their families in North Queensland.

“This service is being funded through Queensland Health,” she said.

“When a young person is admitted to a youth detention centre, they are assessed by on-site primary health professionals to identify immediate health-related concerns, including substance withdrawals.

“Comprehensive health assessments by visiting GPs and mental health professionals are also conducted within the first few days of detention. From these assessments, ongoing individualised treatment and support is provided, including specialist drug and alcohol services.

“As part of their work, youth justice case managers also assist young people in the community on youth justice orders to connect with drug and alcohol rehabilitation services.”